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Lucy and Michael cleared their day to take Sam to the mall and various comic stores around California. Letting him shop to his heart’s content. They agreed on a certain budget but Lucy might’ve made an exception and spent a little more than she said she would. No surprise there.
It was a good thing their financial situation was improving after finding a more stable job so it was fine to splurge every once and awhile especially for special occasions.
“What you really need to be reading is a driver’s manual.” Michael jokes half heartedly while stretching once they arrived to their next destination.
“Yeah? Only if you start reading those college brochures first.” Sam retorts.
“Alright, you two settle down. Why don’t we grab a bite to eat before hitting the road again.”
“Sounds good.”
They stop at a random local diner.
”Do you think they’ll give me free ice cream or something if I say it’s my birthday.”
“Everything's “free” for you today so what’s the difference.”
“I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask. I still can’t believe my baby is growing up so fast.. Where does the time go?” Lucy starts getting sentimental.
”Please don’t cry mom.” They both say in unison.
The establishment indeed gave him some freebies and even sang happy birthday.
”I love this place!” Sam kicks up his feet.
Michael just shakes his head and smiles he’s glad that his brother is having a good time though.
When they moved out here, Sam’s worries were that the comics selection would be slim pickings but it did not disappoint. Ever since they been here his collection has been growing fast.
But still no luck. He’s always been on the hunt for that Batman #14 for as long as he could remember. That was his holy grail.
“Don’t get your hopes up, honey. You might’ve not found it today but maybe someday.”
“Hey, my gift for you is waiting back home, check your room.” Michael encouraged.
What could it possibly be? Sam thought.
The anticipation is killing him so he runs to the house and tries booking it up the stairs leaving his new things in the car.
“I got it, go ahead mom.”
”That’s very sweet of you Michael, he’s going to love it.”
Sam is immediately greeted by Nanook who’s wearing one of those cone party hats that’s matching with grandpa’s.
”Hey boy I missed you too!” Sam gives him a much deserved belly rub and scratches.
“Happy Birthday, kiddo!” Grandpa announced then proceeds to use a party horn blower. “Cake’s in the kitchen.”
“Thanks! There’s something I want to check first. I’ll be right back.”
A present was set on his bed side table. He begins to open it and can’t believe his eyes. He was in shock.
He hugs Michael as he barely makes it through the door carrying everything. “How the hell did you find it?”
Michael laughs patting him on the shoulder. “I had some help, you should thank David he’s the one who found it.”
“Maybe he isn’t so bad after all…”